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Things To Know About Nominated Defence Minister Christopher Musa

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday nominated former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, as the new Minister of Defence following the resignation of Alhaji Mohammed Badaru on Monday due to health reasons.
Here are some things to know about him:
Musa, born on December 25, 1967, is 58 years old. He graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree after earlier attending the College of Advanced Studies, Zaria, in 1986 and completing his primary and secondary education in Sokoto before that year.
He served as the 18th Chief of Defence Staff from June 2023 to October 2025, where he oversaw integrated operations across all branches of the armed forces. Before then, he was Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps between 2022 and 2023, directing infantry training and development.
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From 2021 to 2022, Musa was the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai in Northeast Nigeria, leading counter-terrorism operations against Boko Haram.
Prior to that, he commanded Sector 3 of the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad region from 2019 to 2021, coordinating joint military efforts with neighbouring countries.
During the same period, he also served as Commander of Sector 3, Operation Lafiya Dole, overseeing sector-level counter-insurgency operations.
In 2019, Musa served as Deputy Chief of Staff (Training/Operations) at the Headquarters Infantry Centre and Corps.
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Before 2019, he had held several strategic positions, including Infantry Representative on the Training Team at the Army Armour Corps Headquarters, Assistant Director of Operational Requirements at Army Headquarters, Commanding Officer of 73 Battalion, and General Staff Officer 1 (Training/Operations) at 81 Division.
Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1991, Musa began his military career in infantry roles that formed the foundation of his later leadership appointments.
He is also a recipient of several honours, including the Colin Powell Award for Soldiering (2012), in recognition of outstanding military leadership.
Musa’s nomination comes as the Federal Government seeks continuity in defence leadership following Badaru’s exit.
News
UBTH CMD Marks 120 Days In Office, Expresses Commitment To Providing Conducive Working Environment

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. (Mrs) Idia Ize-Iyamu on Tuesday reiterated her commitment to providing a conducive working environment for all staff members.
She spoke at a management and staff assembly, which marked her first 120 days in office.
Speaking during the assembly, Prof. Ize-Iyamu expressed her commitment to providing exceptional leadership and called on all UBTH employees to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in their duties.
The CMD highlighted key achievements and milestones attained since assuming office on August 18th.
READ ALSO:UBTH: Confusion Trails Mother, Child Medical Bills Offset By Okpebholo
She thanked the staff for their dedication and commitment to caring for and serving humanity, emphasizing that UBTH’s functionality relies on their continued efforts.
Prof. Ize-Iyamu also outlined significant interventions made within the hospital under her leadership, including the installation of a state-of-the-art 160-Slice CT Scan Machine, among other advancements aimed at enhancing the hospital’s capabilities and service delivery.
She noted that her administration has prioritized inclusion, accountability, and a renewed sense of direction.
“As we move into 2026, every HOD, unit, and department must develop their own actionable plans and timelines for achieving objectives in tandem with the UBTH-CARES agenda.
READ ALSO:UBTH CMD Laments Inadequate Heath Workers, As Minister Promises Increased Funding
“These plans should be practical, measurable, and aligned with the broader hospital vision, ensuring consistent progress across all units.
“We seek the full support, commitment, and collaboration of all staff to sustain and build upon the achievements already recorded.
“My dear colleagues, UBTH stands at a defining moment. The vision is clear, and the challenges are real, but the possibilities are greater.
READ ALSO:UBTH Gives Ultimatum To Owners Unclaimed Corpses
“Let us move forward together with unity, professionalism, and renewed trust – to build an institution worthy of its history and prepared for its future.” Ize-Iyamu said.
The CMD’s address underscored her vision of UBTH as a citadel of excellence, impelled by a workforce characterized by both professional competence and resolute application.
This continuing commitment to service improvement showcases her deep resolve towards the refinement of healthcare delivery mechanisms, thereby securing the hospital’s ongoing prosperity as captured in her Strategic Agenda ‘UBTH-CARES’
News
FIRS Confirms NIN As Tax ID

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has clarified that the National Identification Number (NIN) issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) now automatically serves as the Tax Identification Number (TIN) for individual Nigerians.
The announcement was made on Monday as part of a public awareness campaign on the new tax laws, shared by the FIRS on X.
The Service further stated that registered businesses will no longer need a separate Tax ID. Instead, their Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration number will function as their official tax identifier under the revised system.
The clarification comes amid public concerns over provisions in the new tax laws requiring a Tax ID for certain transactions, including bank account ownership.
READ ALSO:NNPCL Reveals Reason Behind N5.4trn Profit After Tax
According to the FIRS, the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), set to take effect in January 2026, mandates the use of a Tax ID for specific transactions.
The Service emphasized that this requirement is not new, noting that it has existed since the Finance Act of 2019 and has now been reinforced under the NTAA.
“The Tax ID unifies all Tax Identification Numbers previously issued by the FIRS and State Internal Revenue Services into a single identifier,” the Service said.
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“For individuals, your NIN automatically serves as your Tax ID, while for registered companies, your CAC RC number is used. You do not need a physical card, as the Tax ID is a unique number linked directly to your identity.”
The FIRS explained that the new system aims to simplify taxpayer identification, eliminate duplication, prevent tax evasion, and ensure fairness by making sure all individuals with taxable income contribute their share.
The Service also urged the public to ignore any misinformation about the reform, assuring Nigerians that the updated tax framework is intended to enhance efficiency and transparency in tax administration.
News
KWAM 1 Withdraws From Awujale Race, Ends Court Challenge

Fuji music legendOtunba Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, Fuji music legendOtunba Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate,
Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as KWAM 1, has formally withdrawn from the race for the Awujale of Ijebuland, bringing an end to his legal challenge against the ongoing selection process for the revered traditional stool.
KWAM 1 filed a notice of discontinuation at the Ogun State High Court on Monday, December 22, 2025, signaling his decision to step away from the contest.
The notice was submitted by his legal team, led by Dr Wahab Shittu, SAN, effectively closing a case that had drawn public attention and sparked debate within Ijebu traditional circles.
READ ALSO:K1 To Tinubu: ‘You Can’t Be President And Watch Me Suffer’
The withdrawal followed a ruling by Hon. Justice A. A. Omoniyi of High Court 3, Ijebu-Ode Judicial Division, who dismissed KWAM 1’s application for an interim injunction.
The application sought to restrain the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and other parties from continuing with the selection of a new Awujale pending the determination of the suit.
In his ruling, Justice Omoniyi held that the application for an interim injunction lacked merit.
However, the court ruled that the substantive suit could proceed and fixed January 14, 2026, for further hearing.
Despite this opening, KWAM 1 chose to discontinue the case altogether, effectively ending his bid for the throne through the courts.
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KWAM 1, who holds the traditional title of Olori Omooba of Ijebuland and hails from the Fidipote Ruling House, had approached the court after the Fusengbuwa Ruling House declared him ineligible to contest for the Awujale stool.
The ruling house maintained that the Fuji icon was not a bona fide member of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and therefore could not vie for the throne under its platform.
The declaration of ineligibility had generated controversy, given KWAM 1’s prominence as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated musicians and a well-known figure in Ijebu cultural life.
By filing the notice of discontinuation, KWAM 1 appears to have accepted the court’s position on the interim application and decided not to pursue the matter further.
The Awujale of Ijebuland is one of the most influential traditional rulers in Yorubaland, and the process of selecting a new monarch often attracts keen interest from both within and outside Ogun State.
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